Academic Consideration

We understand that there may be times when you are unable to complete your academic responsibilities. Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing students who will be unable to complete their academic responsibilities for medical, religious, compassionate, or varsity reasons must receive academic consideration. Please read the instructions below to understand the process you need to follow based on your individual circumstances.

The Process

The Request for Academic Consideration Form and supporting documents will be assessed by your Academic Advisor, following which your consideration needs will be communicated to your instructor(s). The form of academic consideration you receive will then be determined by your instructor(s).

NOTE: Supplemental documentation submitted to our office will be retained in the student's file, and will be held in confidence in accordance with the Western's Official Student Record Information Privacy Policy

Academic consideration may include:

  • Extension of deadlines
  • Waiver of attendance requirements for classes/labs/tutorials
  • Arranging special exams or incompletes
  • Re-weighting course requirements
  • Granting late withdrawals without academic penalty
  • Requests for academic consideration for the purpose of travel/vacations during the academic term and/or final exam period will not be accepted

Further instructions for consideration procedures, as well as information on required supporting documentation is outlined by consideration type below.

Please Note:

  • Academic consideration is not automatically approved and shall be granted only where the documentation indicates that the onset, duration and severity of the illness are such that the student could not reasonably be expected to complete his/her academic responsibilities
  • It will not be sufficient to provide documentation indicating simply that the student “was seen for a medical reason” or “was ill.”
  • Medical consideration may NOT be approved for minor illness like colds, non-acute vomiting or diarrhea, menstrual cramps, insomnia, or for past illnesses
    • There is no expectation that a student must be in optimum physical or mental condition to carry out their academic responsibilities
  • Whenever possible, students requiring academic consideration should provide notification and documentation in advance of due dates, examinations, etc. Students must follow up with their instructors(s) directly in a timely manner once consideration has been approved by the academic advisor
  • Students wishing to speak to an academic advisor regarding their request for academic consideration can make a Quick Question Appointment